Amusement device



Oct. 11, 1938. l. w. EISENBERG ET AL 2,133,165

AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed July 8, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet l WI dick 14 3e J Z 35 WWW Oct. 11, 1938 I. w. EISENBERG ET AL 65 AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed July 8, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 I rwz'n WZ Mnbery Frz'zz WI dick Oct. 11, 1938. 1. w. EISENBERG ET AL 3 AMUS EMENT DEVICE Filed July 8, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 WNN WNN Oct. 11, 1938.

l. w. EISENBERG ET AL 33,165

AMUSEMENT DEVICE V Filed July 8, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Oct. 11, 1938 PATENT OFFICE AMUSEMENT DEVICE Irwin W. Eisenberg, Alhambra, and Fritz W. Falck, Hollywood, Galif.

Application July 8, 1935, Serial No. 30,310

17 Claims.

This invention has to do in a general way with game and amusement apparatus and is more particularly related to a novel form of amusement device which is designed to simulate a race such as a horse-race. In other words,

the device contemplated by this invention embodies a miniature field or track provided with a plurality of lanes along which a corresponding number of racing pieces such as miniature horses are adapted to travel at varying rates so that one of the racing pieces may reach the forward or Winning end of the field in advance of the others.

It is a primary object of this invention to produce a device of the class described in which the entire operation thereof is automatic. In other words, our invention contemplates an amusement device of the class described which is designed to be controlled by a single manually operated switch which may or may not be associated with a coin actuated means for controlling the same.

It is a further object of this invention to produce a device of the class described in which the rate of movement of the different racing pieces along the field is automatically changed each time the game is played and in this same connection our invention contemplates a means whereby all of the racing pieces are automatically returned to their starting position as soon as one of the pieces has reached a predetermined point in its course of travel. In this same connection our invention contemplates means for providing a sustained indication such as an electric light which is illuminated as soon as the race is won and remains lighted for a substantial period of time so as to indicate which piece won the race even after all of the pieces have been returned to their starting position.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a device of the class described with a scoring unit to indicate at the start of the race the score which will be made by each horse in the event such horse wins the race and in this same connection our invention contemplates 45 means for automatically changing the scoring setup for the various horses each time the game is played.

It is a further noteworthy feature of this invention that the entire operation thereof is con- 50 trolled electrically so that all of the operations and movements take place with maximum positiveness and rapidity.

The details in a preferred form of our invention together with other objects attending its production will be best understood from the following description of the accompanying drawings which are chosen for illustrative purposes only and in which Fig. 1 is a plan view illustrating the general arrangement of the miniature racing field together with the lighting and scoring units in a preferred embodiment of our invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation taken along the line 2.2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2, and illustrating the mechanism employed in retracting the pieces across the field;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary end section taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevation taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 2, illustrating details in the construction of the electromagnetic clutch and pulley assembly for ad- Vancing the racing pieces;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional elevation taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1, illustrating details in the construction of a light switch relay assembly and the scoring drum control means;

Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation taken along the line 1*! of Fig. 6 showing further details in the construction of the scoring drum;

Fig. 8 is an elevation taken along the line 8-8 of Fig. 6 illustrating further details in the construction of the light switch mechanism;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged end elevation taken along the line 9-.9 of Fig. 2 illustrating details in the construction of the driving mechanism as well as some details in the construction of the timing means for controlling the intermittent movements of the respective racing pieces;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary elevation taken along the line l0l0 of Fig. 9 illustrating further details in the construction of a control timing switch I contemplated by this invention;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary elevation taken through the case at a different plane from Fig. 2 and illustrating the details in the construction of the preferred system of relay switches which we employ to start, reverse, and stop the operation of the racing pieces;

Fig. 12 is a plan view taken along the line I2-.-.-I2 of Fig. 2 illustrating one preferred form of switch control mechanism which we employ to vary the relation between the two timing mechanisms which govern the control of current to the clectromagnets on the advancing clutches;

Fig. 13 is an end elevation taken along the line 13-43 of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 14 is a wiring diagram illustrating the electrical relation between the different parts of the apparatus contemplated by this invention.

Referring now to the drawings with particular reference to Figs. 1 and 2, reference numeral N indicates a case or housing which is shown as being provided with a glass cover I2 and. has a deck or board of play l3 mounted therein below the cover |2. Reference numeral N indicates a light and score panel which'is positioned in the housing ahead of the deck l3.

The deck I3 is shown as being provided with a plurality of lanes 5 arranged in parallel relation thereon, such lanes formed by guide flanges I6. The lanes are in the nature of slots which extend through the deck member each of such slots containing a racing piece generally indicated by reference numeral IT. The racing pieces are made to simulate a figure such as that of a horse and rider and include a standard or post |8, an intermediate portion of which is secured in any suitable manner to a belt member I9. Each of the belts, there being one for each racing piece, extends over a pair of pulleys 2B and 2| which are rotatably mounted upon shafts 22 and 23 respectively. The shafts 22 and 23 are supported by suitable bearings which are secured in any preferred manner to the interior of the housing as indicated at 25 and 25 in Figs. 3 and 5 respectively.

The shafts 22 and 23 are adapted to be continuously rotated in opposite directions as indicated by the arrows A and B (Fig. 2) during the operation of the machine and since connection of the pulleys 20 with the shaft 22 is effective to rotate or drive the belt IS in a direction which pulls the racing pieces ll forward, we have termed the shaft 22 the advancing shaft and the pulleys thereon the advancing pulleys. Also since engagement of the pulleys 2| with the shaft 23 is effective to rotate such pulleys in a belt retracting direction, we have termed such shaft pulleys retracting members.

For the purpose of imparting this opposite directional rotation to the two shafts 22 and 23, we show such shafts as being provided with sprocket wheels 26 and 2! which are interconnected by means of a crossed sprocket chain 28. One of the shafts, shown as the shaft 23, is'also provided with an additional sprocket wheel which is adapted to be driven through the medium of a chain 29 from a drive sprocket 30 in a reduction gear unit generally indicated by reference numeral 3|.

From the foregoing general description it will be seen that the racing pieces H are adapted for movement back and forth across the deck or field of play depending upon which set. of pulleys is engaged with the corresponding rotatable shaft.

In addition to the racing pieces and their corresponding track, the visible portion of the apparatus includes the light and score indicating panel I4 which is provided with a plurality of light windows 35 each corresponding to one of the lanes and racing pieces and a plurality of score windows 35 each of which also correspond to one of the racing pieces and lanes.

The operation of the apparatus is as has been previously pointed out, entirely automatic except for one manual operation which involves the closing of the starting switch. This starting switch may be of any desired type of push button or a coin actuated plunger of the type indicated by reference numeral 31. When this plunger or push button is actuated the following operations take place. First the light in one of the windows 35 which corresponds to the particular racing piece whichwon the previous race is disconnected and at substantially the same time all of the racing pieces start their intermittent or step by step forward movement across the field in their respective lanes. Simultaneous with this operation the score numbers behind the windows 36 are changed to show the score which each horse will make in the event it wins the race. The race then continues until one of the horses reaches the winning point at which time the light in the window corresponding to that particular horse is automatically lighted and immediately all of the racing pieces start their rearward movement to the starting point. This rearward movement in the racing pieces continues until each one has reached the starting line at which time all of the electrical circuits which govern the operation of the machine with the exception of the circuit to the light in the widow indicating the winning horse are disconnected. This light remains lighted until the machine is played again or if desired another switch such as a time actuated switch may be provided for the purpose of disconnecting this light after the machine remains unplayed for a predetermined interval of time.

We will now describe the details in the mechanism whereby these various operations and indications are obtained.

Referring first to Fig. 2 it will be observed that all of the racing pieces have been retracted to their starting position in the manner generally described above. The source of power for moving the racing pieces in either direction is shown as comprising an electric motor 40 which is provided with a shaft 4| having a pulley 42 thereon (see Fig. 9), such pulley being con- 'nected through a belt 43 to a driven pulley 44.

The driven pulley 44 is mounted upon a shaft 45 which in turn forms a part of the reduction gear unit 3|. The motor is supplied with electrical energy from a suitable source of power through a system of relay switches to be described later in the specification whereby its operation is automatically controlled from the switch or coin operated plunger 31 referred to above.

Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4 which illustrate the details in the preferred form of mechanism which we employ to effect the retractive or rearward movement of the racing pieces, it will be observed that the pulleys 2| which, as has been herein above pointed out, are loosely mounted upon the shaft 23, are provided with friction clutch faces 50. Associated with these clutch faces and rigidly keyed to the shaft 23 are a corresponding number of clutch plates 5|.

For the purpose of moving the pulleys and the corresponding clutch faces into frictional engagement with the clutch plates 5| whereby the pulleys are rotated with the shaft, we provide each pulley with a hub member 52, such hub member being provided with grooves 53 which in turn are engaged by the slots at the upper ends of corresponding fork or clutch bars 54. The lower ends of these clutch bars, there being one for each pulley, are secured to a clutch actuating rod 55 such rod being supported by suitable bearings such as are indicated at 56 so that it may have sliding movement. The end of the clutch bar 55 is secured in any suitable manner such as by means of a pin and slot connection 51 to a lever member 58 which in turn is supported through the medium of a leaf spring 59 from a bracket 60 secured to the interior of the housing.

This lever member is associated with a solenoid or electromagnet 61 such magnet being adapted for energization from a source of power through the medium of suitable relay switches to be hereinafter described so that all of the pulleys and corresponding clutch members are engaged simultaneously to effect a retractive movement of all of the racing pieces at once. When all of the racing pieces reach their starting point at which they engage corresponding stop members they are effective, through the medium of suitable parallel switches and relays, to open the circuit to the motor 40 whereby the operation of the machine is stopped.

For the purpose of effecting this last mentioned control we employ a plurality of contact switches indicated by reference numeral 65 each of which is associated in suitable relation with a corresponding racing piece. All of these switches are connected in parallel withthe relay that controls the delivery of power to the motor and each switch is arranged so that it is normally in a closed position. For the purpose of opening these switches we provide them with lever members indicated by reference numeral each lever member having a projection 64 on its upper end which extends into the path of the standard or supporting post l8 on the corresponding racing piece.

As each racing pieceengages its lever member 63 it is effective to open the corresponding switch 65 and remain stationary in such position, the pulley in the corresponding belt member slipping until the operation of the machine is stopped. With the switches 65 all connected in parallel, it will be observed current will flow through this circuit until the last switch is opened so that the operation of the machine continues until the last racing piece has reached its starting point at which time the last switch is opened and the operation of the machine is thereby stopped.

In Fig. 5 which illustrates the details in the mechanism for effecting the forward or advancing movement of the racing pieces, it will be observed that each of the advancing pulleys 29, like the retracting pulleys 2|, is provided with a clutch face 58 associated with a clutch disc 5! which is keyed to the shaft. Also the pulleys 20 are provided with hubs 52 which have grooves 53 adapted to receive the forked or slotted upper end of a clutch control bar 54'.

Since the principal objective during the for ward movement of the racing pieces is to simulate a race, it is necessary that the individual clutch members on the advancing pulleys 20 be adapted for individual and repeated actuation. It is also important that the momentary or intermittent period during which the clutch members are engaged should be varied with respect to each other during each race and should also be varied with respect to each other between the different races so that the results of the different races will not repeat themselves. For the purpose of individually engaging the clutch members it will be observed that each lever member 54 is supported by a spring member 55 and a suitable supporting bracket 65 and is associated with an individual solenoid or electromagnet 5?. These individual electromagnets 6'! are adapted to be intermittently and repeatedly energized from a suitable source of power so as to individually engage the clutch over different intervals of time. The

in series with its corresponding electromagnet.

Mounted upon a shaft 12 of the reduction gear unit 3| and concentrically disposed within the area defined by the switches 'H is a rotor member 13, such rotor member having a projection 14 thereon which is adapted to individually engage each of the contact switches H during the rotation of the rotor.

Assuming that each of the switches H were connected with a source of electrical energy, it will be seen that when the rotor 13 is revolved at a constant speed the electromagnets would be successively energized over equal lengths of time and the racing piece corresponding to the first switch engaged would be the first to reach the finish line. As has been previously pointed out,

I however, it is a feature of this invention that an element of suspense is introduced in the outcome of the race and in order to do this it is necessary to vary the interval of time during which current is supplied to the respective contact switches H While they are engaged by the projection 14. It is also important that the ratio with which the current is distributed among the different contact switches be varied for each race.

For the purpose of accomplishing this last mentioned objective. we employ a second timing mechanism which we term a control timer such mechanism being illustrated generally'by reference numeral 16. This timing mechanism is shown as comprising a rotor H wh ch is rotatably mounted upon a shaft 18 supported by a standard 19 on top of the reduction gear housing :51. The rotor 11 is normally adapted to be driven from. the shaft 18 through the medium of a friction clutchmember indicated at and is spring pressed against the clutch member by means of a compression spring 8|.

For the purpose of rotating the shaft 78 and its associated elements, the shaft is provided with a pulley member 83 over which a belt 134 travels such belt being driven by means of the pulley 85 which is driven from the reduction gear unit 3.5.

The rotor H is shown as being provided w th a plurality of projections 81, such projections being of different circumferential lengths and of various spacing with respect to each other and being of a radius such that they will engage and close a contact switch generally indicated by reference numeral 99. This contact switch is shown as being supported upon a post or bracket 9! which is also secured to the top of the reduction gear unit and the elements of the contact switch are connected to the source of energy and to the respective contact switches H in the first timing unit described above-which delivers current to the advancing solenoid.

From this arrangement it will be seen that in order to energize any one of the advancing sole-v noids, it is necessary that the contact switch H and the contact switch 99 both be closed. From this arrangement it will also be seen that since the length of the contact members on the rotors I! are of various lengths and various spacing and further in view of the fact that the two rotors are operated in different speed ratios with respect to each other, that the time intervals during which current is supplied to the advancing solenoids is always changing during a single operation of the machine.

It was also pointed out as another object of this invention to provide means for varying the relation with which the advancing clutches are actuated with respect to each other each time the machine is operated. In other words our invention contemplates means for changing the relation between the two timing rotors for each operation of the machine. In the preferred form of our invention we accomplish this by momentarily stopping the operation of the rotor of the control timer 'I'I' at the time the operation of the machine is started and at the same time permitting the rotation of the rotor I4 to continue.

Since the rotor I1 is, as pointed out above, loosely mounted upon the shaft I8 we accomplish this by means of a solenoid actuated brake generally indicated by reference numeral I00. This brake is shown as comprising a lever member IOI positioned so that its forward end may be thrown down into engagement with the rotor 11 by means of a solenoid or electromagnet I02. Various means may be employed for momentarily energizing the electromagnet I02 but it is a noteworthy feature of this invention that such means be constructed so that the period of energization of this magnet varies an indeterminate amount for each race. One preferred form of this mechanism is indicated generally by reference numeral I05 in Fig. 2 and the details thereof are further illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13.

Referring to Figs. 2, 12 and 13, reference numeral I 06 indicates a contact switch which is mounted on the bottom of an inclined plate member I01, such switch being normally held in its open position by means of a weighted ball I08 which rests upon a switch control plate I06. The switch I00 is connected between a source of energy (not shown) and the electromagnet or solenoid I02. The ball I08 is adapted to be thrown forwardly and upwardly across the inclined plate I 0i, so as to permit the closure of the contact switch I00, by means of an electromagnetic kicker generally indicated at II0.

The duration of time over which the contact switch remains closed and the rotor 'I'I remains locked depends upon the period of time over which the ball travels on the inclined plate I0! before returning to the switch control plate I06. This interval of time is varied between the different operations by employing an odd shaped area through which the ball must travel thereby changing the length of its travel depending upon the particular manner and direction in which it is started by the electromagnetic kicker H0. In this form of our invention we show the area in which the ball must travel as being controlled by a boundary wire I I2 supported on pins or screws H3 and arranged so that the distance from the kicker to the wire is different along different lines of travel.

The energization of the electromagnetic kicker I I0, as well as the extinguishment of the light and the setting up of the score indicator referred to above, must be accomplished when the game is first started in operation and for the purpose of energizing these three elements, we employ a. single switch and drum assembly generally indicated by reference numeral I20. This switch and drum assembly, the details in the construction of which are best shown in Figs. 2 and 9, consist of a drum member I2I which is loosely mounted upon the shaft which carries the rotor 13. The drum member is shown as being provided with an enlarged disc I22 which is in frictional engagement with the clutch plate I23 mounted on the end of the rotor member I3. Since it is necessary to impart only a single rotation to the drum each time the machine is started in operation, the disc and the drum are normally locked against movement by means of a locking lever I24 having a finger I25 normally adapted for reception in a notch I26 in the periphery of the disc. This looking finger is supported by a spring and bracket assembly I21 adjacent an electromagnet or solenoid I28 which is adapted to be energized when the manually actuated switch or push button is closed to start the operation of the machine. The momentary energization of this solenoid is effective to retract the finger I25 and permit the friction clutch I23 to rotate the disc I22 and its associated drum.

The drum I2I is shown as being provided with projecting segments I30, I3I and I32 such segments being adapted for engagement with contact switch members I30, I3I' and I32. The switch member I30 is connected to the kicker solenoid I I0 and the switches I3I and I32 are connected to the light release mechanism and the score counter clutch which will be hereinafter described. It will thus be seen that during such time as the projection I30 is engaged with the contact switch member I30 energy is delivered to the kicker solenoid IIO which impels the ball I08 off of the switch control plate and thereby energizes the brake which engages the rotor member fl and changes the angular position of the rotor II with respect to the rotor I3 Whichcontinues to rotate in the meantime.

Referring now to Figs. 2, 6, '7 for details in the construction of the scoring drum unit herein above referred to, reference numeral I30 indicates an elongated drum or cylinder which is mounted upon a shaft I3I supported in bearings I32 beneath the panel I4. This drum I30" is positioned directly below the windows 36 and is provided with a plurality of rows of numbers indicated at I33 which are situated so that one number in each row appears beneath the corresponding window 36 when the drum is stationary.

For the purpose of imparting rotation to the drum we provide the shaft I3I with a clutch plate I35 which is rigidly secured thereto and is adapted for engagement by a pulley I 33' loosely mounted on the shaft and connected through the medium of a belt I34 with another pulley I35 on the reduction gear unit. The loose pulley I33 has a hub member I3'I grooved as indicated at I 38 to receive an actuating fork I30 which in turn is secured to the top of an electromagnetically actuated lever I40. This lever I40 is provided with an extension I4I which has a finger portion adapted for reception between teeth I42 formed on a sprocket wheel I45 secured to the shaft I3 I. This latter mechanism is effective to lock the drum in a stationary position after it has been rotated.

When the electromagnet I39 is energized by the engagement of the contact switch I32 referred to above, it is effective to simultaneously withdraw the finger MI and engage the clutch member so that the drum is rotated during such time as the contact switch I32 is engaged by the projection I32 on the main control drum I2I.

The switch mechanism whereby the lights indicating the winner of the race are energized and disconnected are best illustrated in Figs. 2, 6 and 8. Referring first to Fig. 2, reference numeral I50 indicates a plurality of switch levers positioned beneath the finished line or finish point corresponding to each horse. Each of these levers is adapted to be engaged by the supporting post or standard I8 and when any one of these levers is engaged it is efiective to close a corresponding contact switch member I5I which completes an electrical circuit through an electromagnet I52 (see Fig. 6). The energization of this electromagnet I52 is effective to withdraw a lever member I53 rearwardly into a position at which it is locked by a spring finger I54. The

rearward movement of this lever is, in turn, effective to close and hold in closed position a contact switch member I55 which is connected between the source of energy and an electric light I56 positioned beneath the window 35 corresponding to the particular racing piece which has engaged the switch.

For the purpose of opening the switch I55 and thereby distinguishing the particular light which has been energized, we employ a transverse bar member I60 (see Figs. 6 and 8) which is provided with a plurality of cam plates I6I each being positioned above the locking finger I54 corresponding thereto. The bar I60 and the corresponding cam member are adapted to be drawn in the general direction of the arrow C (see Fig. 8), and thereby depress the particular locking finger I54 to release the switch I55 corresponding thereto, by means of an electromagnet and a lever member indicated at I63 and I64 respectively. This electromagnet I63 is energized through the contact switch I3I in the manner described above.

Fig. 11 illustrates a preferred system of relay switches which may be employed for controlling the starting, reversing and stopping operations herein above referred to. This system of switches maybe mounted at any desired point within the case or housing and is shown as comprising a starting solenoid I10 adapted to be energized through the medium of the manually actuated starting switch 31. When this electromagnet I10 is energized it raises a lever member I1I thereby closing two identical contact switches situated one behind the other and indicated in Fig. 11 by reference numerals I12 and I12.

The two switches I12 and I12 are connected to the motor and to the timing circuit which delivers energy to the advancing magnets respectively. As soon as the switches I12 and I12 are closed the motor starts in operation and the ad-v vancing magnets are energized repeatedly in the manner referred to above bringing the racing pieces downwardly across the field. The finger MI is locked in a switch closing position by means of a locking finger I14 so that this operation continues until the locking finger I14 is pulled forwardly to release the finger I1I. This operation is effected by means of another electro magnet I15 which is connected with each of the switches I5I and is thereby energized as soon as one of the racing pieces reaches the finish point.

When the finger I1I is released and dropped to the full line position shown in Fig. 11, it is effective to open the circuit to the advancing magnets and to the motor and at the same time close the circuit to the retracting magnet or solenoid 6| through the upper switch indicated at I16.

Since the release of the lever I1I is efiective to open the circuit to the motor and since the motor must continue to operate during the retraction of the racing pieces, it is necessary to I provide switch means for maintaining the circuit to the motor closed after the lever member I1I has been released. This is accomplished by providing an additional switch I18 which is connected in parallel with the switch I12 to the motor circuit. The switch I18 is adapted to be closed through the medium of a lever member I19 and a solenoid I80 such solenoid being connected in series with the circuit of the parallel switches 65 so that it is energized as soon as any one of the racing pieces leaves its starting posi-- tion. It will thus be seen that the switch I18 standsby in a closed position to supply current to the motor as soon as the switch I12 is opened. The retracting switch I16 is also connected in series through the switch I18 to supply current to the reversing electromagnet.

Since the electromagnet I80 is connected in series with the parallel switchs 65 at the starting line, it will be seen that this magnet remains energized until all of the racing pieces have been returned to the starting position. Immediately as the last racing piece engages its corresponding switch 65 the circuit is broken and the electromagnet releases the lever member I19 thereby opening the only remaining circuit to the motor and to the reversing oi" retracting solenoid.

The operation of the device will be best understood by reference to the wiring diagram of Fig. 14 which illustrates the electricalcircuit for connecting and operating the various elements de scribed above, in which the letters DC indicate a battery, or any other suitable source of direct current or rectified alternating current for energizing the lights and the various solenoid relays of the apparatus. Reference numeral letters AC indicate a source of alternating current for supplying power to the motor.

In operation the switch 31 is momentarily closed by manual operation thereby completing a circuit through the electromagnet I10 and the electromagnet I28. The energization of the electromagnet I10 is efiective to close the switch I12 and the switch I12.

The closure of the switch I12 connects the motor 40 with the source of power starting the motor and its associated reduction gear mechanism which includes the drum I2I and the disc I22 which is connected thereto.

The electromagnet I28 having been energized by the closure of the switch 31, the locking finger I24 is withdrawn thereby permitting the drum I2I to rotate.

As the drum I2I rotates it is eifective to successively close the switches I30, I3I' and I32,

thereby energizing the kicker electromagnet IIO, the light release magnet I63 and the score drum control magnet I39 respectively.

The first of these operations closes the control switch I06 which energizes the solenoid I02 there-- by applying the brake to the control timer drum 11.

The closure of switch I3I energizes the light release solenoid I63 thereby extinguishing the light which has been energized by the previous operation.

The closure of switch I32 energizes the electromagnet I39 which releases the score drum lock and applies the score drum clutch in the manner pointed out herein above, thereby setting up the scores for the various horses in the race now in progress.

As the ball I 08 rolls back into position the control timer 11 again starts to rotate and since the switch I12 has been closed, current is supplied through the control timer 11 and the feeding timer switches H to the successive advancing solenoids 61, thereby applying the advancing clutches repeatedly and intermittently to affect progressive advancing movement of the racing pieces across the field.

Also as soon as the first racing piece leaves its starting point the corresponding switch 65 at that point closes thereby establishing an electric circuit through the solenoid I and closing the switches I18 and I18.

As has been herein above indicated the switch I18 is merely connected in parallel across the motor circuit and is not effective at this time to do any thing more than stand by ready to supply power to the motor when the switch I12 is opened. Also since the switch I18 is connected in series with the switch I16 it does not become effective until the switch I16 is closed.

As the racing pieces progress downwardly across the field the first one to reach the finish point engages its corresponding switch I5I thereby establishing an electric circuit through the electromagnet I15 which retracts the lever member I14 and releases the lever member I1I.

The releasing of lever member I1I is efiective to close the switch I16 and open the two switches I12 and I12. The circuit'to the advancing solenoids is thereby opened and the circuit to the retracting magnet is closed, the motor in the meantime receiving its power through the switch I18, the retraction of all of the pieces begins. Each of the switches I5I is also connected in series with its corresponding light relay I52 so that the closure of this switch is effective to energize one of the relays I52 which in turn closes the corresponding switch I55 and energizing the light I56 which corresponds to the racing piece which was first to reach the finish point. When the light switch I55 is closed it is locked in closed position by means of the mechanism described and illustrated in connection with Fig. 6. 7

As the racing pieces are retracted each successive piece when it reaches the starting point engages its corresponding switch 65 opening such switch and these switches being connected in parallel it will be seen that the last racing piece to be retracted to its starting position is eiTective to completely open the circuit. Since the circuit which includes the parallel switches 65 also includes the solenoid I80, it will be seen that the breaking of this circuit is effective to disconnect the solenoid I 80 thereby releasing the lever member I19 and thus opening the only remaining switch which connects the motor and the source of power. This action also opens the retracting control switch I18 and since the supply of power to the retracting solenoids is dependent upon this switch as well as the switch I16 it will be seen that all of the operating parts in the circuit are thus disconnected from their corresponding sources of power with the exception of the light I56. The circuit to these lights is opened by the action of the electromagnet I63 in the manne which has been previously described.

It is to be understood that while we have herein described and illustrated one preferred form of our invention, that the invention is not limited to the precise construction explained above but includes within its scope whatever changes fairly come within claims.

We claim as our invention:

1. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: adeck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably supported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing piece in each lane attached to a corresponding belt member; means for rotating one of said shafts in a belt advancing direction; a plurality of clutch elements secured to said belt advancing shaft and normally out of engagement with the respective pulleys; means for repeatedly and intermittently engaging the respective clutch elements with their respective pulleys independently of each other; means for varying the intervals of operation of the respective clutch engaging means thereby varying the rate of advancement of the respective belts and pieces; means for rotating the other of said shafts in a belt retracting direction; clutch means secured to said retracting shaft and adapted for engagement with the respective pulleys thereon; and means for simultaneously engaging all of said retracting clutches.

2. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably supported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing the spirit of the appended piece in each lane attached to a corresponding belt member; means for rotating one of said shafts in a belt advancing direction; a plurality of clutch elements secured to said belt advancing shaft and normally out of engagement with the respective pulleys; means for repeatedly and intermittently engaging the respective clutch elements with their respective pulleys independently of each other; means for varying the intervals of operation of the respective clutch engaging means thereby varying the rate of advancement of the respective belts and pieces; means for rotating the other of said shafts in a belt retracting direction; clutch means secured to said retracting shaft and adapted for engagement with the respective pulleys thereon; and means including a switch adapted to be engaged by any one of said racing pieces when it reaches a predetermined point in its corresponding lane, for simultaneously engaging all of said retracting clutches and at the same time rendering said advancing clutches inoperative.

3. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably supported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing piece in each lane attached to a corresponding belt member; means for rotating one of said shafts in a belt advancing direction; a plurality of clutch elements secured to said belt advancing shaft and normally out of engagement with the respective pulleys; electromagnetic means for individually engaging said clutch elements with their respective pulleys; and contact means for repeatedly and intermittently connecting the respective electromagnetic means with a source of electric energy.

4. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of a deck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably sup ported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing piece in each lane attached to a corresponding belt member; means for rotating one of said shafts in a belt advancing direction; a plurality of clutch elements secured to said belt advancing shaft and normally out of engagement with the respective pulleys; electromagnetic means for individually engaging said clutch elements with their respective pulleys; contact means for repeatedly and intermittently connecting the respective electromagnetic means with a source of electric energy; and means for varying the time intervals during which the respective electromagnetic means are energized.

5. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably supported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing piece in each lane attached to a corresponding belt member; means for rotating one of said shafts in a belt advancing direction; a plurality of clutch elements secured to said belt advancing shaft and normally out of engagement with the respective pulleys; electromagnetic means for individually engaging said clutch elements with their respective pulleys; and means for intermittently energizing the respective electromagnets comprising, contact means conductively connected with the respective electromagnets, means for individually and intermittently engaging the respective contacts, switch means conductively connecting said contacts with a source of electrical energy, and means for intermittently closing and opening said switch means during the intermittent engagement of said contacts.

6. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably supported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing piece in each lane attached to a corresponding belt member; means for rotating 'one of said shafts in a belt advancing direction; a plurality of clutch elements secured to said belt advancing shaft and normally out of engagement with the respective pulleys; electromagnetic means for individually engaging said clutch elements with their respective pulleys; and means for intermittently energizing the respective electromagnets comprising, contact means conductively connected with the respective electromagnets, means for individually and intermittently engaging the respective contacts, switch means conductively connecting said contacts with a source of electrical energy, means for intermittently closing and opening said switch means during the intermittent engagement of said contacts, and means for automatically changing the relation between the timing of said switch closing means and the timing of said contact closing means.

'7. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably supported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing piece in each lane attached to a corresponding belt member; .means for rotating one of said shafts in a belt advancing direction; a plurality of clutch elements secured to said belt advancing shaft and normally out of engagement with the respective pulleys; electromagnetic means for individually engaging said clutch elements with their respective pulleys, and means for intermittently energizing the respective electromagnets comprising, switches conductively connected with the respective electromagnets and a rotor for engaging said contact switches, a control timer having a contact switch conductively connected between said feeding timer and a source of electric energy and a rotor for engaging said control timer switch, means for driving said timer rotors, and automatic means for changing the relative angular positions of said timer rotors with respect to each other.

8. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably supported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing piece in each lane attached toa corresponding belt member; means for rotating one of said shafts in a belt advancing direction; a plurality of clutch elements secured to said belt advancing shaft and normally out of engagement with the respective pulleys; electromagnetic means for individually engaging said clutch elements with their respective pulleys, and means for intermittently energizing the respective electromagnets comprising, a feeding timer having contacts conductively connected with the respective electromagnets and a rotor for engaging said contacts, a control timer having contacts conductively connected between said feeding timer and a source of electric energy and a rotor for engaging said control timer contacts, means for driving said timer rotors in timed relation with each other, and automatic means for changing the relative angular positions of said timer rotors with respect to each other, one of said timer rotors being designed to intermittently engage the corresponding timer contacts over unequal time intervals during a single revolution thereof.

9. For use in a racing game of the class described, the combination of a rotatable shaft;

means for rotating said shaft; a plurality of pulleys rotatably mounted on said shaft; a plurality of clutch members secured to said shaft and normally out of engagement with the corresponding pulleys; a plurality of electromagnets for actuating the pulleys into friction engagement with the respective clutch members; a plurality of circumferentially arranged contact feed switches conductively connected with the respective electromagnets; a rotor adapted to engage and close the respective switches; a control switch conductively connected with the respective feed switches and with a source of electrical energy; a second rotor associated with said control switch; a plurality of projections of different lengths mounted on said second rotor and adapted to engage said control switch; means for revolving said first and second rotors at a predetermined speed ratio with respect to each other; and means for moa feeding timer having contact continued rotation of the other of said rotors.

10. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably supported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys rotatably mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing piece in each lane attached to a corresponding belt member; means for rotating one of said shafts in a belt advancing direction; means for rotating the other of said shafts in a belt retracting direction; a plurality of clutch elements secured to said belt advancing shaft and normally out of engagement with the respective pulleys thereon; electromagnetic means for individually engaging said clutch elements with their respective pulleys; control means for repeatedly and intermittently connecting the respective electromagnets with a source of electric energy; retracting clutch elements secured to said retracting shaft and normally out of engagement with the pulleys thereon; retracting electromagnetic means for simultaneously engaging said retracting clutch elements with their respective pulleys; and means for simultaneously disconnecting the first named electromagnetic means from the source of electric energy and for energizing said retracting electromagnetic means.

11. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably supported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys rotatably mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing piece in each lane attached to a corresponding belt member; means for rotating one of said shafts in a belt advancing direction; means for rotating the other of said shafts in a belt retracting direction; a plurality of clutch elements secured to said belt advancing shaft and normally out of engagement with the respective pulleys thereon; electromagnetic means for individually engaging said clutch elements with their respective pulleys; control means for repeatedly and intermittently connecting the respective electromagnets with a source of electric energy; retracting clutch elements secured to said retracting shaft and normally out of engagement with the pulleys thereon; retracting electromagnetic means for simultaneously engaging said retracting clutch elements with their respective pulleys; and means including a switch actuated by any one of said advancing racing pieces at a predetermined point in its travel for simultaneously disconnecting the first named electromagnetic means from the source of electric energy and for energizing said retracting electromagnetic means.

12. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck having a plurality of lanes thereon; shafts rotatably supported adjacent the ends of said lanes; a plurality of aligned sets of pulleys rotatably mounted on said shafts in parallel relation with said lanes; a belt member extending over each set of pulleys; a racing piece in each lane attached to a corresponding belt member; means including an electric motor for rotating said shafts in opposite directions; means for energizing said motor; clutch elements on one of said shafts adjacent each pulley thereon; electromagnetic means for causing each of said pulleys to intermittently and indementarily locking one of-said rotors during thependently engage its respective clutch element to individually turn said pulleys in a belt advancing direction; retracting clutch elements on the other shaft normally out of engagement with the corresponding pulleys; electromagnetic means for simultaneously causing said last mentioned pulley to engage said retracting clutch elements to rotate the pulley in a belt retracting direction; timing means for intermittently connecting the respective advancing electromagnetic means with a source of electric power; switch means actuated by any one of said advancing racing pieces at a predetermined point in its travel for simultaneously disconnecting said timing means from said source of power and energizing said retracting electromagnetic means; and a plurality of parallel switches actuated by the retracted racing pieces to disconnect said motor when all of said pieces are retracted to the ends of their respective lanes.

13. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck; a plurality of racing pieces adapted for parallel movement along said deck; means for advancing each of said racing pieces, said means including a clutch means normally out of driving engagement for each of said racing pieces; electromagnetic means for individually operating each of said clutch means; timing means conductively connected' with said electromagnetic means for intermittently connecting the respective electromagnetic means with a source of electric energy over varying intervals of time; means for simultaneously retracting all of said racing pieces, said means including electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means; and switch means connected in circuit with a source of electric energy and with said electromagnetic clutch operating means and said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means and actuated by any one of said racing pieces at a predetermined point in its travel for simultaneously disconnecting all of said electromagnetic clutch operating means from the source of electric energy and for energizing said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means.

14. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck; a plurality of racing pieces adapted for parallel movement along said deck; means for advancing each of said racing pieces, said means including a clutch means normally out of driving engagement for each of said racing pieces; electromagnetic means for operating each of said clutch means; timing means conductively connected with said electromagnetic means for intermittently connecting the respective electromagnetic means with a source of electric energy over varying intervals of time; means for simultaneously retracting all of said racing pieces, said means including electromagneticallly controlled retracting clutch means; a plurality of electric lights corresponding to the respective racing pieces; switch means connected in circuit with a source of electric energy, with said electromagnetic clutch operating means, with said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means, and said electric lights, and adap ed to be actuated by any one of said advancing pieces at a predetermined point in its travel for simultaneously energizing the electric light corresponding to the switch engaging racing piece, disconnecting said electromagnetic clutch operating means from the source of electric energy and at the same time energizing said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means.

15. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck; a plurality of racing pieces adapted for parallel movement along said deck; means for advancing each of said racing pieces, said means including a clutch means normally out of driving engagement for each of said racing pieces; electromagnetic means for operating each of said clutch means; timing means conductively connectedwith said electromagnetic means for intermittently connecting the respective electromagnetic means with a source of electric energy over varying intervals of time; means for simultaneously retracting all of said racing pieces, said meansincluding electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means; switch means connected in circuit with a source of electric energy, with said electromagnetic clutch operating means and with said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means, and adapted to be actuated by any one of said advancing pieces at a predetermined point in its travel for simultaneously disconnecting said electromagnetic clutch operating means from the source of electric energy and at the same time energizing said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means; and means for disconnecting said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means from its source of electric energy; and a plurality of switches connected in parallel with a source of electric energy adapted to be engaged by the respective racing pieces as they are retracted to predetermined aligned points for operating said disconnecting means when all of said switches are engaged by their corresponding racing pieces.

16. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck; a plurality of racing pieces adapted for parallel movement along said deck; means for advancing each of said racing pieces, said means including a clutch means normally out of driving engagement for each of said racing pieces; electromagnetic means for operating each of said clutch means; timing means conductively connected with said electromagnetic means for intermittently connecting the respective electromagnetic means with a source of electric energy over varying intervals of time; means for simultaneously retracting all of said racing pieces, said means including electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means; switch means connected in circuit with a source of electric energy, with said electromagnetic clutch operating means, and with said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means, and adapted to be actuated by any one of said advancing pieces at a predetermined point in its travel for simultaneously disconnecting said electromagnetic clutch operating means from the source of electric energy and at the same time energizing said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means; means for disconnecting said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means from its source of electric energy; a plurality of switches connected in parallel with a source of electric energy adapted to be engaged by the respective racing pieces as they are retracted to predetermined aligned points for operating said disconnecting means when all of said switches are engaged by their corresponding racing pieces; and means including a manually operable switch connected with a source of electric energy for energizing said advancing means.

1'7. In an amusement device of the class described, the combination of: a deck; a plurality of racing pieces adapted for parallel movement along said deck; means for advancing each of said racing pieces, said means including a clutch means normally out of driving engagement for each of said racing pieces; electromagnetic means for operating each of said clutch means; timing means conductively connected with said electromagnetic means for intermittently connecting the respective electromagnetic means with a source of electric energy over varying intervals of time; means for simultaneously retracting all of said racing pieces, said means including electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means; a plurality of electric lights corresponding to the respective racing pieces; relay switches connected with a source of electric energy for energizing the respective lights; locking means for holding each relay switch closed; switch means connected in circuit with a source of electric energy, with said electromagnetic clutch operating means, with said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means, and with said electric lights, and adapted to be actuated by any one of said advancing pieces at a predetermined point in its travel for simultaneously energizing the corresponding light switch relay, disconnecting said electromagnetic clutch operating means from the source of electric energy and at the same time energizing said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means; and means for disconnecting said electromagnetically controlled retracting clutch means from its source of electric energy; and a plurality of switches connected in parallel with a source of electric energy adapted to be engaged by the respective racing pieces as they are retracted to predetermined aligned points for operating said disconnecting means when all of said switches are engaged by their corresponding racing pieces; a solenoid means'for actuating said relay switch locking means; and means for energizing said last mentioned solenoid means.

IRWIN W.-EISENBERG FRITZ W; FALCK. 

